Release Date 08/19/2025 WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the factors that officers consider in certain benefit requests where an exercise of discretion is required, including factors relating to aliens’ past requests for parole and any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, as well as the use of discretion in adjudication of certain benefit requests where evidence of antisemitic activity is present. Separately, USCIS has expanded the types of benefit requests that receive social media vetting, and reviews for anti-American activity will be added to that vetting. Anti-American activity will be an overwhelmingly negative factor in any discretionary analysis. “America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible,” said USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “Immigration benefits—including to live and work in the United States—remain a privilege, not a right." USCIS is reiterating its guidance that an alien’s compliance with immigration laws is a relevant factor when determining if a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted and updating the Policy Manual to provide additional guidance in circumstances where an alien has endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused the views of a terrorist organization or group, including aliens who support or promote anti-American ideologies or activities, antisemitic terrorism and antisemitic terrorist organizations, or who promote antisemitic ideologies. When conducting a discretionary analysis, USCIS officers will consider whether an alien’s application for admission or parole was made in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies in effect at the time. This update will also clarify how an exercise of discretion is applied when adjudicating an EB-5 investor petition or application in cases involving threats to the national interest, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, and criminal misuse. This guidance , contained in Volume 1 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after the publication date. The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-to-consider-anti-americanism-in-immigrant-benefit-requests Last Reviewed/Updated: 08/19/2025

We are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 4 , on valid marriages between a principal asylee or principal refugee and their claimed spouse. Under the updated guidance, all marriages between principal asylees or principal refugees and their claimed derivative spouses must be legally valid under the law of the jurisdiction where the marriage was celebrated in order to be considered valid for immigration benefit purposes. This guidance is effective March 3, 2025, and applies to requests pending or filed on or after that date. This updated guidance is consistent with applicable Board of Immigration Appeals case law and other USCIS adjudications. It also aligns our policies with President Trump’s Executive Order 14148, Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions , and Executive Order 14163, Realigning the United States Refugee Admission Program . The guidance contained in the Policy Manual is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-validity-of-alien-refugee-and-asylee-marriages Last Reviewed/Updated: 06/24/2025

Release Date 06/13/2025 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance to enhance the integrity of the review process for Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. Under this guidance, USCIS is changing how we process Form N-648 by focusing greater attention on the veracity of medical certifications and identification and prevention of fraud, thereby enhancing the integrity of the process. Across the country and over the decades, there have been numerous instances where the medical certification process has been exploited. When a medical professional provides a false certification, it not only undermines the purpose of the disability exception but also weakens the credibility of the entire naturalization system because it causes USCIS to naturalize aliens who have not established eligibility for naturalization. Generally, aliens applying for naturalization must demonstrate understanding of the English language and knowledge and understanding of the civics fundamentals of the history and principles and form of government of the United States. Aliens applying for naturalization who are seeking an exception to the English and/or civics requirements because of a medically determinable physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, must submit Form N-648 attesting to the medical condition, which must be completed and certified by a medical professional. The guidance confirms that the medical professional completing Form N-648 must explain how the disability or impairment leaves the alien unable to meet the English and civics requirement for naturalization (the presence of a disability alone is not sufficient). This guidance also provides that submitting multiple Forms N-648 concurrently may raise concerns about the credibility of the disability or impairment claim and could be subject to further review. This guidance, contained in Volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual , supports Executive Orders 14148 Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions and 14159 Protecting the American People Against Invasion . It is effective immediately, and applies to all naturalization applications and associated Forms N-648 filed on or after June 13, 2025. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-to-policy-on-disability-exceptions-to-naturalization-requirements Last Reviewed/Updated: 06/13/2025

Release Date 05/12/2025 WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan. The TPS designation for the country expires on May 20, 2025, and the termination will be effective on July 14, 2025. At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate U.S. government agencies, is required to review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met, and if so, how long to extend the designation. “This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent,” said Secretary Kristi Noem . “We’ve reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation. Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevent them from returning to their home country. Additionally, the termination furthers the national interest as DHS records indicate that there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security. Reviewing TPS designations is a key part of restoring integrity in our immigration system.” After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Afghanistan no longer meet the statutory requirements. The Secretary’s decision was based on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the country conditions and in consultation with the Department of State. The Secretary determined that, overall, there are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to ongoing-armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions. She further determined that permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States. Additional information is available in the Federal Register Notice (PDF) . https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminating-temporary-protected-status-for-afghanistan Last Reviewed/Updated: 05/12/202

What is Alien Registration Pursuant to a 1940 law, every foreign national who will be in the U.S. for 30 days must be registered and fingerprinted. They are also required to carry proof of such registration at all times. This law has not been regularly enforced. However, a new process to register is set to begin on April 11, 2025 which requires that all immigrants who did not enter the United States with a visa are required to register with the federal government. Who needs to register? Many immigrants, including some who lack formal legal status, are already considered registered (see “Who is considered to have already registered,” below.) Any other immigrant who enters the United States and plans to stay for 30 days or longer must register before the expiration of the 30 days. This includes: Canadians who enter at a land border and are not issued a Form I-94 Individuals who entered without inspection and have not yet registered Children who turn 14 years old while in the United States, who must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday. Parents or legal guardians are required to register their children who were not registered upon visa application and who will remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. What if You Are Undocumented? If you entered the U.S. without inspection and do not have legal status, you are required to register as a non-citizen. Registering does not grant legal status and may result in the registrant being detained and placed in removal proceedings. Failure to register may result in civil and criminal penalties. You should consult with an immigration attorney prior to registering in order to understand the registration process, your rights, and any potential legal risks. Keeping Your Registration Documents Safe Always carry your registration documents with you. Who is considered to have already registered? Immigrants who have already registered include the following: Lawful permanent residents; People paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired; People admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired; All people present in the United States (except those under the age of fourteen) who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival; People whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings; People issued an employment authorization document; People who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the applications were denied; and People issued Border Crossing Cards. Individual Who are Exempt from the Requirement Visa holders who have been already registered and fingerprinted through their application for a visa; A visa holders; G visa holders; Those in U.S. for less than 30 days; If an LPR is outside of the U.S. when he turns 14, the individual must apply for registration and provide a photograph within 30 days of return; American Indians born in Canada who possess atleast 50% blood of the American Indian race who are present in the US under the authority of 8 USC 1359 How and Where to Register USCIS has established a new form, G-325R, Biometrics Information (Registration). Form G-325R is submitted online through an account created on the USCIS website. Steps to register: Create an online USCIS account at my.uscis.gov . Complete and submit Form G-325R. Attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center, at which time a statement is signed under oath reaffirming to the information provided. Receive a proof of alien registration document, after completion of background checks. The Proof of Alien Registration document will be available in the USCIS online account. What does Form G-325R require? Current Legal Name Contact Information Physical Address and Address History for past 5 years Immigration History Biographic Information Police/Criminal Record Family Information What documents count as proof of registration? The “proof of alien registration” document counts as proof of registration. So do the following documents: I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) which covers: People admitted with non-immigrant visas. People paroled into the U.S. under 212(d)(5) of INA. People who have been granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation proceedings. I-95, Crewmen's Landing Permit—Crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft. I-181, Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence—Noncitizens presumed to be lawfully admitted. I-184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card—Crewmen arriving by vessel. I-185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Canada or British subjects residing in Canada. I-186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card—Citizens of Mexico residing in Mexico. I-221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing—People against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted. I-221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest of Alien—People against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted. I-485, Application for Status as Permanent Resident. I-551, Permanent Resident Card—Lawful permanent residents of the United States. I-590, Registration for Classification as Refugee- Escapee. I-687, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident. I-691, Notice of Approval as a Temporary Resident. I-698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident. I-700, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident. I-766, Employment Authorization Document— People with work permits. I-817, Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family Unity Program. I-862, Notice to Appear—People against whom removal proceedings are being instituted. I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge— People against whom removal proceedings are being instituted. Deadline to Register There is no specified date by when registration must occur except that anyone who is in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register and that noncitizen children who turn 14 must register within 30 days of the 14th birthday. What Happens If You Don’t Register or Carry Proof? Those who are 18 years or older must carry proof at all times of their registration and fingerprinting. Failure to do so could amount to a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both. This is a misdemeanor criminal offense. There is a separate criminal offense and removal ground for registering using false documents. If you do not register and later apply for an immigration benefit or visa, the government might deny the benefit or visa for failing to register. Everyone living in the U.S. still has basic rights under the Constitution. You have the right to remain silent and to refuse to speak to immigration officers. You have the right to speak to a lawyer if arrested. See AILA’s Know Your Rights Flyer on being stopped in a public place: https://www.aila.org/aila-files/AC3EB4AE-0276-41C7-B53A-E165B250CBD5/KYR_public.pdf Change of Address Requirement If you move, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $5000 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment and may result in removal. It is essential that individuals who may be affected by this policy consult with a competent and reputable immigration lawyer, if at all possible, to receive the most appropriate advice for their circumstances. If you have questions about the naturalization process, we encourage you to contact our office at [NAME] at [NUMBER]. This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this flyer without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.

Release Date 04/09/2025 WASHINGTON — Today U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity. Consistent with President Trump’s executive orders on Combatting Anti-Semitism , Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism and Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats , DHS will enforce all relevant immigration laws to the maximum degree, to protect the homeland from extremists and terrorist aliens, including those who support antisemitic terrorism, violent antisemitic ideologies and antisemitic terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or Ansar Allah aka: “the Houthis.” “There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here,” said DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin. “Sec. Noem has made it clear that anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for anti-Semitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here.” Under this guidance, USCIS will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests. This guidance is effective immediately. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , Facebook and LinkedIn . https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-to-begin-screening-aliens-social-media-activity-for-antisemitism

Release Date 03/31/2025 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). We have randomly selected enough beneficiaries with properly submitted registrations projected as needed to reach the H-1B cap and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for such beneficiaries. Registrants’ online accounts will display a registration status. For more information, visit the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page. H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2025, if filed for a selected beneficiary and based on a valid registration. Only petitioners with registrations for selected beneficiaries may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2026. An H-1B cap-subject petition must be properly filed at the correct filing location or online at my.uscis.gov and within the filing period indicated on the relevant selection notice. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days. Petitioners must include a copy of the applicable selection notice with the FY 2026 H-1B cap-subject petition. Petitioners must also submit evidence of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document used at the time of registration to identify the beneficiary. Petitioners filing for selected beneficiaries based on their valid registration must still submit evidence or otherwise establish eligibility for petition approval, as registration and selection only pertains to eligibility to file the H-1B cap-subject petition. For more information, visit the H-1B Cap Season page. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2026-h-1b-initial-registration-selection-process-completed

On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump issued the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order which directed the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that aliens comply with their duty to register with the government under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302), and ensure that failure to comply is treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority. The INA requires that, with limited exceptions, all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer , must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Similarly, parents and guardians must ensure that their children below the age of 14 are registered. Within 30 days of reaching his or her 14th birthday, the previously registered alien child must apply for re-registration and to be fingerprinted. Once an alien has registered and appeared for fingerprinting (unless waived), DHS will issue evidence of registration, which aliens over the age of 18 must carry and keep in their possession at all times. It is the legal obligation of all unregistered aliens (or previously registered children who turn 14 years old) in the United States to comply with these requirements. Failure to comply will result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution and the payment of fines. Most aliens in the United States have already registered, as required by law. However, a significant number of aliens present in the United States have had no direct way in which to register and meet their obligation under INA 262. In order that unregistered aliens may comply with their duty under INA 262, USCIS is establishing a new form and process by which they may register. No alien will have an excuse for failure to comply with this law. Registration is not an immigration status, and registration documentation does not establish employment authorization or any other right or benefit under the INA or any other U.S. law. American Indians born in Canada who entered the United States under section 289 of the INA, and members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians who entered the United States under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act, are not required to register. Who has already registered? Anyone who has been issued one of the documents designated as evidence of registration under 8 CFR 264.1(b) has registered. Also, anyone who submitted one of the forms designated at 8 CFR 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints (unless waived) and was not issued one of the pieces of evidence designated at 8 CFR 264.1(b), complied with the registration requirement of INA 262. Aliens who have already registered include: Lawful permanent residents; Aliens paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired; Aliens admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired; All aliens present in the United States who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas prior to arrival; Aliens whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings; Aliens issued an employment authorization document; Aliens who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, even if the applications were denied; and, Aliens issued Border Crossing Cards. Who must apply for registration All aliens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a visa to enter the United States and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer. They must apply before the expiration of those 30 days. The parents and legal guardians of aliens less than 14 years of age who have not been registered and remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, prior to the expiration of those 30 days. Any alien, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States, within 30 days after their 14th birthday. Who is not registered? Anyone who has not been issued one of the documents designated as evidence of registration under 8 CFR 264.1(b) and has not submitted one of the forms designated at 8 CFR 264.1(a) and provided fingerprints (unless waived) is not registered. Aliens who have not registered include: This includes: Aliens who are present in the United States without inspection and admission or inspection and parole; Canadian visitors who entered the United States at land ports of entry and were not issued evidence of registration; and, Aliens who submitted one or more benefit requests to USCIS not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or Temporary Protected Status, who were not issued evidence of registration. How to register DHS will soon announce a form and process for aliens to complete the registration requirement. Beginning Feb. 25, 2025, aliens required to register should create a USCIS online account in preparation for the registration process. See our How to Create a USCIS Online Account page for more information. Once the registration process is implemented, aliens will submit their registration, and parents and guardians will submit registration applications on behalf of their children under 14, through their USCIS online account. We will update this webpage to provide additional information in the coming days. Do not be a victim of an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.  https://www.uscis.gov/alienregistration Last Reviewed/Updated: 02/25/2025

Release Date 02/20/2025  On Feb. 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem partially vacated the July 1, 2024, notice that extended and redesignated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The announcement amends the period of extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS from 18 months to 12 months, with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025, and makes a corresponding change to the initial registration period for new applicants under the redesignation, which will now remain in effect through Aug. 3, 2025. For additional information, please see the Federal Register notice . https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/update-on-tps-for-haiti